Focus on the Family's Mission Statement:
To cooperate with the Holy Spirit in sharing the Gospel of Jesus
Christ with as many people as possible by nurturing and defending the
God-ordained institution of the family and promoting biblical truths
worldwide.
Vision:
Redeemed families, communities, and societies worldwide through Christ.
Guiding Principles:
Since Focus on the Family's primary reason for existence is to
spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a practical outreach to
homes, we have firm beliefs about both the Christian faith and the
importance of the family. This ministry is therefore based upon six
guiding philosophies that are apparent at every level throughout the
organization. These "pillars" are drawn from the wisdom of the Bible
and the Judeo-Christian ethic, rather than from the humanistic notions
of today's theorists. In short, Focus on the Family is a reflection of
what we believe to be the recommendations of the Creator Himself, who
ordained the family and gave it His blessing.
The Preeminence of Evangelism
We believe that the ultimate purpose of life is to know and glorify
God and to attain eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, beginning
within our own families and then reaching out to a suffering humanity
that needs to embrace His love and sacrifice.
"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" Mark 16:15
The Permanence of Marriage
We believe that the institution of marriage is a sacred covenant
designed by God to model the love of Christ for His people and to serve
both the public and private good as the basic building block of human
civilization. Marriage is intended by God to be a thriving, lifelong
relationship between a man and a woman enduring through trials,
sickness, financial crises and emotional stresses. Therefore,
Christians are called to defend and protect God's marriage design and
to minister in Christ's name to those who suffer the consequences of
its brokenness.
"'Haven't you read,' He replied, 'that at the beginning the Creator
'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will
leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will
become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what
God has joined together, let man not separate.'" Matthew 19:4-6
The Value of Children
We believe that children are a heritage from God and a blessing from
His hand. Parents are therefore accountable to Him for raising, shaping
and preparing them for a life of service to His Kingdom and to
humanity.
"Has not the Lord made them [a husband and wife] one? In flesh and
spirit they are His. And why one? Because He was seeking godly
offspring." Malachi 2:15
The Sanctity of Human life
We believe that human life is created by God in His image. It is of
inestimable worth and significance in all its dimensions, including the
preborn, the aged, the mentally disabled, those deemed unattractive,
the physically challenged, and every other condition in which humanness
is expressed from the single cell stage of development to natural
death. Christians are therefore called to defend, protect, and value
all human life.
"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my
mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully
made." Psalm 139:13-14a
The Importance of Social Responsibility
We believe that God has ordained the social institutions of family,
church, and government for the benefit of mankind and as a reflection
of His divine nature. Therefore, Christians are called to support these
institutions, according to God's design and purpose, and to protect
them against destructive social influences. Such involvement is in
obedience to Christ's lordship over all creation and is required by His
command to care for the well-being of all people.
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Genesis 2:24
"And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be
head over everything for the church, which is His body." Ephesians
1:22-23a
"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for
there is no authority except that which God has established. The
authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1
The Value of Male and Female
We believe that God created humans in His image, intentionally male
and female, each bringing unique and complementary qualities to
sexuality and relationships. Sexuality is a glorious gift from God to
be offered back to Him either in marriage for procreation, union and
mutual delight or in celibacy for undivided devotion to Christ.
Christians are called to proclaim the truth and beauty of God's design
and the redemption of sexual brokenness in our lives and culture
through Jesus Christ.
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer
your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is
your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern
of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then
you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – His good,
pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2